Thurso violinist adds a string to her bow with new venture
A Thurso woman with impressive credentials for playing violin has decided to venture into the world of performing at weddings and events – an area she feels is lacking in Caithness.
Elizabeth Jones says she is teaching her own daughter, who is currently working at Grade 6 standard on the violin, and has accompanied her at the piano for every exam so far.
"It is very exciting to be striking out in the solo violin realm of weddings and events, which seems to be sorely lacking in Caithness," said Elizabeth.
Having started to learn the violin at the age of eight, Elizabeth worked her way up through all the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) graded exams, and then recently progressed further by passing two professional diploma exams in violin performance with the ABRSM.
"In the 20-year interim between Grade 8 and my diploma exams, I have been teaching the violin to a number of students, both adults and children alike, having a 100 percent pass rate for all students who undertook graded violin exams."
Elizabeth joined the first violins section of the Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, then under the late Sir John Mason MBE, and has played all over the country as well as locally, including a spell as 'fiddler on the beach' for guests at Ackergill Tower.
"I was invited to perform at my first wedding in 2001, by a friend, as part of a small ceilidh trio I had formed. Our trio was called 'Northern Lights', and we subsequently went on to produce a local CD album of ceilidh dance music entitled: 'The Sailor's Wife'.
"Over recent years, I have entered the local Caithness Music Festival, with my daughter and with friends, and we have so far won a fair collection of trophies and medals."
Regarding her move into event performances, Elizabeth says she can offer solo violin music in both classical and traditional Scottish styles, and play as part of a violin duet or trio if required. "If a piano is available at the venue, I could also play as part of a violin and piano duet."
Elizabeth can be contacted via her Facebook profile or via email at: violin_lizzy@yahoo.co.uk
She is a member of the Independent Society of Musicians, which includes full insurance.